AHVAP Executive Director’s Message

Creating Professional Competency: It’s a Journey

Healthcare is an industry where professionalism is not only desirable but also essential. The nature of healthcare services is such that they require a high level of expertise and knowledge to be delivered effectively. This is why building professional competency in healthcare is of utmost importance.

Professional competency refers to the skills, knowledge, and expertise that an individual possesses and uses to perform their job effectively. In the healthcare industry, professional competency can be broadly classified into two categories: clinical competency and non-clinical competency. Clinical competency refers to the skills and knowledge required to provide patient care, such as diagnosing, treating, and managing illnesses. Non-clinical competency, on the other hand, refers to skills such as communication, teamwork, and leadership, which are essential for effective healthcare delivery but not directly related to patient care.

Building professional competency in healthcare has numerous benefits. First and foremost, it leads to improved patient outcomes. When healthcare professionals are competent and knowledgeable, they can diagnose and treat patients more accurately, reducing the risk of medical errors and improving patient satisfaction. Competent healthcare professionals can also provide a better standard of care, leading to improved health outcomes for patients.

Secondly, building professional competency is beneficial to healthcare professionals themselves. It enhances their job satisfaction as they feel more confident and capable of performing their duties. This, in turn, can lead to increased retention rates and reduced turnover, which can be beneficial to healthcare organizations. Furthermore, professional development opportunities, such as training programs, can help healthcare professionals advance their careers and increase their earning potential.

Lastly, building professional competency in healthcare is beneficial to the healthcare system as a whole. Competent healthcare professionals can contribute to the overall efficiency of the system, reducing costs and improving resource utilization. Moreover, they can contribute to the development of new treatments and therapies, improving the quality of care provided to patients.

Building professional competency in healthcare is crucial for delivering high-quality patient care, enhancing healthcare professionals’ job satisfaction, and improving the healthcare system’s overall efficiency. Healthcare organizations should invest in professional development opportunities for their employees to ensure that they remain competent and knowledgeable in their fields. Governments and policymakers should also prioritize initiatives aimed at building professional competency in healthcare, such as funding for training programs and continuing education opportunities. By doing so, we can create a healthcare system that is effective, efficient, and delivers the best possible care to patients. Building our profession’s competency is a core function of our Association. This is achieved through clinical education programming, certification, and leadership training. Stay tuned to AHVAP for even more exciting educational opportunities to help take your career to the next level!

J. Hudson Garrett Jr., Ph.D., MSN, MPH, MBA, FNP-BC, IP-BC, PLNC, VA-BC, BC-MSLcert™, MSL-BC, LTC-CIP, CPPS, CPHQ, CVAHP, CPXP, CDIPC, FACDONA, FAAPM, FNAP, FACHE, FSHEA, FIDSA
Executive Director and Executive Vice President
Association of Healthcare Value Analysis Professionals
Chief Certification Officer
AHVAP Certification Center